Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using unsalted butter, just increase the added salt to about 3/4 teaspoon total. Salted butter provides a convenient flavor baseline, but controlling your own salt level works perfectly too. I find the salt really helps enhance the garlic flavor, so don't skip it entirely.

My bread is browning too quickly under the broiler. What should I do?

This is a common issue with broilers since they can vary dramatically in heat output. Simply move your oven rack down another level or two from the heating element. You can also flip to the baking method instead – 450°F for 8-10 minutes gives you more control and more even browning.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic provides the most vibrant flavor, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of garlic powder as a substitute for the 4 teaspoons of minced garlic. The flavor will be different – more mellow and less bright – but still delicious.

My family doesn't like herbs. Can I make this without the basil and oregano?

Definitely! The classic garlic bread base of butter, garlic, and a touch of salt is still incredibly delicious on its own. You might want to add a bit more Parmesan to compensate for the flavor complexity the herbs would have provided. Some people also enjoy a touch of paprika for color and subtle flavor.

The Ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe

Name: The Ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: Bread:; 1 loaf French bread; Butter Mixture:; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 4 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This mouthwatering garlic bread transforms a simple loaf into something truly spectacular with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely bursting with rich garlic butter flavor in every bite – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality garlic bread in just 10 minutes from start to finish. Perfect alongside your favorite pasta dish or as an irresistible appetizer on its own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 10 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need something delicious without the wait.
Customizable: Adjust the garlic level to suit your taste – go bold with extra garlic or keep it subtle for picky eaters.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who can resist a slice of properly made garlic bread – it disappears faster than you can say “seconds please!”
Budget-Friendly: Transform an inexpensive loaf of bread into something that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

French Bread: The foundation of our garlic bread – its sturdy texture stands up beautifully to the rich butter spread while maintaining that perfect contrast between crispy exterior and soft interior.
Butter: Use salted butter for the best flavor foundation – it should be softened but not melted for the perfect spreading consistency.
Olive Oil: Adds a wonderful richness and helps create that beautifully bubbly, golden-brown surface.
Dried Herbs (Basil and Oregano): These classic Italian herbs infuse the butter with incredible aroma and flavor – they’re what takes this from simple garlic bread to restaurant-worthy status.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a wonderful nutty, salty dimension and helps create that irresistible golden crust when broiled.
Minced Garlic: The star of the show! Fresh minced garlic provides the bold, aromatic flavor that makes this bread absolutely irresistible.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fantastic ways to make this garlic bread your own:

Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend over the butter spread before broiling for a stretchy, gooey topping.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a gentle heat that complements the garlic beautifully.
Fresh Herb Upgrade: Substitute fresh herbs (2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil and 1 tablespoon fresh oregano) for the dried herbs when they’re in season.
Roasted Garlic Version: Replace the minced garlic with an entire head of roasted garlic (mashed into a paste) for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.

How to Make The Ultimate Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Position your oven rack 6-8 inches from the broiler element and preheat your broiler. This distance is crucial – too close and your bread might burn before the middle is done, too far and you’ll miss out on that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise, creating two equal halves. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. For extra-crispy edges, use a baking sheet without sides.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine your softened butter, olive oil, dried basil, oregano, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform spread. Make sure the butter is soft enough to mix easily but not so warm that it’s melting.

Step 4: Spread the Mixture

Apply a generous, even layer of your garlic butter mixture across both cut surfaces of bread. Don’t be shy here – make sure to spread it right to the edges for maximum flavor coverage.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Place your prepared bread under the broiler and watch it closely! It will take approximately 2-5 minutes to reach golden-brown perfection with bubbling butter. The exact time depends on your specific broiler’s heat and the distance from the element.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove from the oven once golden and bubbly. Let it cool just slightly (about 1 minute) before slicing into portions. This brief rest allows the butter to settle slightly so it doesn’t all run off when you cut it.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted – this creates the perfect spreading consistency.
Broiler Management: Every broiler is different! Keep a constant eye on your bread the first time you make this recipe to learn exactly how long yours takes.
Garlic Hack: For stronger garlic flavor, prepare the spread up to an hour ahead of time to let the flavors meld before spreading on bread.
Even Distribution: Use the back of a spoon to press the garlic butter mixture into any crevices in the bread for consistent flavor in every bite.

How to Serve

Garlic bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many dishes:

Classic Pairings:

Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish where you need something to soak up delicious sauce.

Soup Companion:

Cut into smaller pieces and serve with tomato soup, minestrone, or any broth-based soup for delightful dipping.

Appetizer Star:

Slice into smaller pieces and serve on its own as an appetizer – trust me, you won’t need anything else!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading for easier application. You can also completely assemble the bread (spread the butter on the cut sides) and refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 12 hours before broiling.

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually gets better as the garlic infuses more deeply into the bread!

Freezing

Freeze completely assembled but uncooked garlic bread for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. No need to thaw before cooking – just add a few extra minutes to the broiling time.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, wrap leftover garlic bread in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread from drying out while restoring that wonderful crisp exterior.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using unsalted butter, just increase the added salt to about 3/4 teaspoon total. Salted butter provides a convenient flavor baseline, but controlling your own salt level works perfectly too. I find the salt really helps enhance the garlic flavor, so don’t skip it entirely.
My bread is browning too quickly under the broiler. What should I do?

This is a common issue with broilers since they can vary dramatically in heat output. Simply move your oven rack down another level or two from the heating element. You can also flip to the baking method instead – 450°F for 8-10 minutes gives you more control and more even browning.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic provides the most vibrant flavor, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of garlic powder as a substitute for the 4 teaspoons of minced garlic. The flavor will be different – more mellow and less bright – but still delicious.
My family doesn’t like herbs. Can I make this without the basil and oregano?

Definitely! The classic garlic bread base of butter, garlic, and a touch of salt is still incredibly delicious on its own. You might want to add a bit more Parmesan to compensate for the flavor complexity the herbs would have provided. Some people also enjoy a touch of paprika for color and subtle flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Garlic Bread isn’t just a side dish – it’s often the first thing to disappear from the table! With its perfect balance of buttery richness, aromatic garlic, and golden-brown crispiness, it elevates any meal from ordinary to memorable. The beauty lies in its simplicity and speed – just a few minutes of prep work rewards you with an irresistible treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give it a try tonight – your family will thank you!